A Look at the Acura RL Luxury Sedan

For 2009, the Acura RL has received some needed enhancements to keep it as competitive as possible. One of the biggest changes is the exterior revamping, which brings the car’s styling more in line with the more recently designed TL and TSX sedans. This includes bulging fenders and a new grille which helps blend in a bit better at Acura dealer Pittsburgh PA showrooms. Inside, the Acura RL has always had excellent quality materials and plenty of soft surfaces. There are intriguing lighting accents as well such as the small blue LED slights mounted on the ceiling and shining over the center console, but aside from that the lighting is a bit more modest than other competitors. Gauges and controls remain easy to read and use and feature excellent fit and finish.

The 2009 Acura RL features Honda’s excellent navigation system. While it lacks some features of other navigation systems, such a bird’s eye view option, the system is easy to use and informative. Also included is real-time traffic data thanks to XM’s NavTraffic service. There are even Zagat-based restaurant rankings to make finding the perfect place to eat as easy as possible.

Perhaps one of the most attractive features of the Acura RL among Hartford Acura drivers is the SH-AWD system. This all-wheel drive system makes all weather driving very easy, and it even helps add traction in quick cornering. This AWD system also does an excellent job of transferring torque where it’s needed for optimal performance.

Unlike its competitors which at least offer a V8 engine as an option, the Acura RL only provides a V6 engine. While this limits power, the 3.7 liter V6 should provide ample power for the needs of most drivers. Luckily, like most Honda V6 engines, it offers a high reline and sounds great under high revs. Despite having only a V6, the RL isn’t exactly the most fuel efficient car in its class, which may be disappointing to plenty of potential buyers. The EPA rates the Acura RL at 16 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Despite offering an attractive all-around package, Acura’s RL is unfortunately showing its age. While previous model years have been gaining strength among buyers looking for Pittsburgh used Acuras, the new RL may be a slightly different story. The recently redesigned TL has grown in size, offers more power, and has almost the same dimensions for significantly less money. That being said, the RL still manages to deliver a little more horsepower and technology, but as it stands the TL is a better value, assuming you don’t mind the TL’s controversial styling.